Energy contest gives outlet to budding graphic designer

A Fall River teen's design will become the very visible logo of a citywide energy conservation contest in 2013.

"I didn't think I was going to win, but it feels good," said Joe Rebelo, a Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School junior.

His simple design, which features the words "Fall River Neighborhood Energy Contest" and a plug cord, was on display above his head at Government Center last week and will soon be plastered other places throughout the city.

"I wanted it to appeal to everyone," said Rebelo, who beat out a competitive group of fellow graphic design students to claim victory.

Kim Rego, also a Diman junior, was named runner-up for her design, which incorporated Fall River's iconic Gates of the City on Ponta Delgada Boulevard.

"I'm so thankful and surprised to get recognized for this," she said.

For Siobhan Santos, who teaches Rebelo and Rego, seeing the young designers in the spotlight was a memorable moment.

"You couldn't have picked two nicer students," she said. "They are humble, respectful, polite and always have good initiative. They are model students and very talented."

Santos said that when she received the call for entries, she told her students of the opportunity but didn't make the project mandatory.

"They were eager to do it," she said of her students.

Santos said the project allowed her students to apply their classroom knowledge to a real-world assignment, which could encourage them to pursue graphic design after graduation.

The 2013 Fall River Neighborhood Energy Contest will encourage city neighborhoods to implement energy-saving measures in homes and apartments, according to James Sweeney, general manager and director at New England Gas Company, which is sponsoring the contest with National Grid and Mayor Will Flanagan's office.

The contest was designed to increase participation in energy efficiency services that have long been offered by Massachusetts gas and electric companies, Sweeney said. The best way to do that, he added, is through friendly competition among neighborhood groups.

Flanagan said interested participants should complete a free Mass Save Home Energy Assessment, which includes a basement-to-attic inspection to evaluate potential for energy improvements. A personalized report details recommended improvements. Income-eligible customers may be able to receive the measures at no cost through Citizens for Citizens, the city social service agency.

The neighborhood association that registers the most energy savings will receive $5,000 to make improvements to the neighborhood's public places.

A Feb. 9 energy fair at Diman will kick off the challenge. The fair will feature exhibits of the latest efficient natural gas technologies, interactive educational demonstrations for children, vendor exhibits, contest information and more.

Contest details will be posted soon on the city website, www.fallriverma.org, according to Flanagan. Home energy assessment details are available at www.masssave.com.

In addition to the neighborhood associations, other partners include Citizens for Citizens, the Bristol Community College Green Center, the Fall River Council on Aging, the Fall River Board of Realtors and Greater Fall River Re-Creation.

Phil Devitt can be reached at editor@fallriverspirit.com or (508) 979-4492.